Western Australian Institute of Sport athlete Shannon Reynolds enjoyed a dominant campaign in the under-18 events at the Australian Championships in Sydney last week reaffirming her position as the top female junior paddler in the country.
By Saturday the Bayswater Paddlesports Club representative had won the under-18s K1 500M, K1 1000M, K2 500M, K4 500M and the K4 1000M with her ‘worst’ performance second in the K2 1000M.
On Saturday morning she continued her winning ways, finishing Heat 1 of the under-18s K1 200M in 0:46.41 seconds – the fastest time in all four heats.
“The K1 200M is definitely my favourite distance, probably because it’s the shortest. I’m not too keen on the 1000M, it’s far too long for me but I seem to pull something out of nowhere.”
“I got a personal best (PB) for my K1 1000M which I was really happy with and close to my PB for the K1 500M. I’ve been really happy with how the team boats have been going as well so it’s looking good for the junior world championships next year.”
Perth-based Reynolds – who is part of the highly successful program coached by WAIS coach Ramon Andersson – said she is relishing the experience she is gaining at the championships this week.
“I just love sitting and watching the [senior girls] race. I’m learning so much from watching different people. Alana Nicholls always tends to give me a few hints every now and then which is exciting. All the senior girls in general are great role models.”
Reynolds is completing her HSC this year and has no plans to travel overseas until she has finished high school, after which university and the junior worlds in Canada are on the horizon for 2013.
“I’m really hoping to get to university next year and study occupational therapy, which really tickles my fancy.”
Following that the ever-promising junior has her sights set on the Olympic Games.
“I’m not going to limit myself to one; it could be 2016 or 2020.”
– Canoeing Australia
